ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
Surveys by the National Statistical Office in the month of May, 2022.
(Kochi : May 10 ,2022
The National Statistical Office , Field Operations Division  under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has resumed the field surveys in Kerala in the safe zones notified by the State administration adhering to the COVID-19 protocol. The office through its officials and staff is committed towards accurate and timely data collection and thereby produce robust and reliable statistics that is used by different agencies for the development of the nation. The NSO is presently conducting three major households surveys which are to be held throughout the Ernakulam district.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey  with objectives to measure the dynamics in labour force participation and employment status, would be actively pursued in the Koovappady in rural sector and Thrikkakkara, Chengamanadu, Puthenvelikara, maradu, nedumbasery, Kochi corporation, Kalamasery in the urban sector of the district
For routine conduct of sample surveys, a geographical frame has to be decided that allows the enumerator to fix targets and achieve them in an estimated time schedule. For this purpose, the Urban Frame Survey  is undertaken through satellite mapping using mobile app. The following Kochi MC, Kureekkad, Puthenvelikkara village, Kalady village and Velloorkunnam village would be covered in the month of May 2022 for updating the Urban Frame.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
4.39 crore bogus ration cards weeded out since 2013 for rightful targeting of beneficiaries under NFSA-Department of Food & Public Distribution
New cards are regularly issued to genuine & rightfully eligible beneficiaries/households against deleted ration cards
As part technology-driven PDS reforms across the country to modernise the Targeted Public Distribution System  and to improve the transparency and efficiency in its operations through digitization of ration cards/beneficiaries databases, Aadhaar seeding, detection of ineligible/bogus ration cards, de-duplication of digitised data, migration/deaths of beneficiaries and during the run-up to the implementation of NFSA, a total of about 4.39 Crore ineligible/bogus ration cards have been weeded out in the country during the period 2013 to 2020, so far, by the State/UT Governments.
Further, the respective quota of NFSA coverage thus released, is being regularly utilised by concerned State/UT for the ‘Rightful Targeting’ of beneficiaries under NFSA i.e. inclusion/addition of other genuine & rightfully eligible beneficiaries/households by issuing new ration cards to them, while remaining within the respective ceiling limits of coverage defined for each States/UT under the Act.
The NFSA provides coverage for 81.35 Crore persons to receive highly subsidised foodgrains through TPDS, which is nearly 2/3rd of the country’s population as per the Census of 2011. Presently, more than 80 Crore persons in the country are receiving foodgrains  at highly subsidised Central Issue Prices of Rs. 3, 2 and 1 per Kg respectively under NFSA, on monthly basis.
PIB Headquarters
NAVAL PILOTS GRADUATE AT INS RAJALI, ARAKKONAM
An impressive Passing-out Parade  was held at Naval Air Station Rajali, Arakkonam to mark the graduation of the 93rd Helicopter Conversion Course today, 29 November 19. Nine Indian Navy pilots were awarded the prestigious “Wings of Gold” by Rear Admiral K Jyothish Kumar, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area. The pilots underwent rigorous flying and ground training for 20 weeks at the Indian Naval Air Squadron 561, the Helicopter Training School .
During the course, the trainee pilots are introduced to several nuances of helicopter flying. The pilots undergo a challenging syllabus including navigation, night flying and operations over sea. At the end of the course, the trainees are adjudged for Best in Flying, Best in Ground Subjects and Best in Overall Order of Merit.
After the ceremonial review, the Chief Guest awarded the Governor of Kerala Rolling Trophy to Lt Pritish Mehta for being adjudged as the Best All Round Trainee Pilot and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Naval Command Rolling Trophy to Sub Lt Shantanu Misra for standing first in Order of Merit. A book prize was also awarded to Sub Lt Mageshvar R for standing first in Ground Subjects.
The newly qualified pilots will be appointed to various front-line operational units of the Indian Navy where they will take on various missions such as SAR, Reconnaissance and Surveillance and Anti-Piracy patrols.
In its rich heritage spanning almost five decades, INAS 561  commanded by Captain Krishanu De has trained 724 pilots for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard as well as from friendly foreign navies till date. The school is located at INS Rajali Arakkonam, which is commanded by Commodore Shreerang Joglekar.
Ministry of Textiles
Appeal to Cotton Farmers
The Cotton Corporation of India Ltd.  is a Central Nodal Agency of the Government of India for undertaking cotton procurement operations under Minimum Support Price . This MSP scheme provides an alternative marketing channel for cotton farmers to sell their FAQ-grade cotton at MSP rates declared by the Central Government.
To protect cotton farmers and to maximize reach, CCI has opened more than 400 cotton procurement centres in all 11 cotton-growing states in the current cotton season 2022-23. The detail of MSP prices, CCI network, nearest procurement centre etc. are available on CCI website i.e “cotcorp.org.in” or farmers may download the mobile app “Cott-Ally” for more information.
At present, cotton prices are prevailing above MSP level and farmers need not do any distress sale of cotton below MSP level. CCI assures all cotton farmers that it will procure all FAQ grade cotton offered to CCI at MSP in all cotton growing states and this window of procurement will remain open till 31st March 2023 for the current cotton season 2022-23. In case of any assistance, farmers may approach CCI's nearest branch.
YP/GP/JD
(Visitor Counter : 185
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
New Recoveries more than New Cases since the last 35 days
Trend of Continuous Decline in Active Cases sustained over the last 5 weeks
India’s daily new recoveries have been exceeding the daily new cases since more than a month.
In contrast to 50,356 new reported cases, 53,920 cases have recovered in the last 24 hours. This trend has been observed for the last five weeks. This also played a pivotal role in pushing down the active caseload which is presently pegged at 5.16 lakh.
The last five weeks has seen a continuous decline in average daily new cases. The average daily new cases have declined to 46,000 cases from more than 73,000 average daily new cases in the first week of October.
The active cases, on a sustained decline as a result of the aforementioned trend, stand at 5,16,632 today. This figure translates to a mere 6.11%of India’s total positive cases.
The total recovered cases stand at 78,19,886 which has pushed the national Recovery Rate to 92.41%. The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases presently stands at 73,03,254.
79% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs.
Maharashtra continues to have the maximum number of single day recoveries.11,060 recoveries have pushed up the State’s total recoveries to 15,62,342.
In keeping with the national trend, 18 States/UTs are reporting a higher recovery rate than the national average.
77% of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs.
Delhi has overtaken Maharashtra and Kerala to report 7,178 cases in the last 24 hours. Kerala has recorded 7,002 new cases. Maharashtra reported 6,870 new cases yesterday.
577 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.
Of these, ten States/UTs account for nearly 83%. More than 27.9% of new fatalities reported are from Maharashtra . Delhi and West Bengal follows with 64 and 55 new deaths respectively.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Ministry WCD extends deadline for Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 Awards Nomination, till November 30, 2018
In a significant move, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended the deadline for receiving nominations for the coveted Nari Shakti Puraskar 2018 till November 30, 2018.
The highest civilian honour for Women in India is conferred to exceptional Women and Institutions, who have been working incessantly towards the cause of Women Empowerment. The Awards, now in its 19th year, recognise excellent contribution in the fields of Economic and Social Empowerment of Women. Every year, the President of India confers the Nari Shakti Puraskar on the International Women's Day.
"We have been conferring the Nari Shakti Puraskar since 1999. It gives me immense pleasure to invite Nominations for this year's Awards. I urge Women, those who rise above barriers, venture into unexplored sectors and make a lasting contribution to society to apply for the coveted Awards. With the Deadline Extension Announcement, I am hopeful that many more illustrious women will be able to file their Nominations", said Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi.
The desired documents for Nomination are to be submitted to the Deputy Secretary , MWCD, Room No- 632, 6th Floor, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi- 110001.
Applicants are requested to read the Award Guidelines at: http://www.wcd.nic.in/award
The Ministry of Women and Child Development salutes the unbeatable prowess of Nari Shakti Puraskar awardees, who have become role models for future generations. These iconic ladies have left an indelible mark on people's mind, and have also ignited young minds.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development reaffirm its commitment to provide equal opportunities to Women by making them an integral part of nation’s development journey. Women Led Development is our primary focus and we are determined to create enabling environment to unleash their full potential.
Ministry of Coal
Ministry of Coal Conducts Pre Bid Conference for Auction of 11 Coal Mines
The Nominated Authority in the Ministry of Coal had launched the second attempt of auction for 11 coal mines  Act and 7 mines under the Tranche 2 of MMDR Act) earmarked for sale of coal last month. These were the mines which were offered in the first attempt launched on March 25, 2021 and had fetched single bids.
Ministry of Coal has organised a pre-bid conference today for prospective bidders. Presentations were madeon terms and conditions of auction, technical details of mines and National Coal Index by SBI Capital Markets Limited, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute  and DDG respectively.
The auction shall be held online through a transparent two stage process, on the basis of percentage revenue share. Key features of the auction process include introduction of National Coal Index, ease in participation with no restriction for prior coal mining experience, full flexibility in coal utilisation, optimized payment structures, efficiency promotion through incentives for early production and use of clean coal technology.
Prospective bidders are in the process of registration and purchase of the tender documents from the auction portal. Similar to the whole hearted response received in the times of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Coal expects greater participation from more companies in the times to come.
President's Secretariat
Rashtrapati Bhavan to host conference of Vice Chancellors / Directors of Central Universities /Institutes of Higher Learning on December 14
Rashtrapati Bhavan will host a conference of 46 Vice Chancellors/ Directors of Central Universities/Institutes of Higher Learning on December 14, 2019. This is part of regular interactions of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, with such institutions in his capacity as visitor to 152 Central Universities and institutions of higher learning.
During the conference various sub groups will make presentations on issues such as promotion of research; promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship among students; building industry - academia linkages; filling up of vacancies including faculty from foreign universities; creating alumni funding and enhancing alumni activities; completion of major infrastructure projects in a time bound manner.
Apart from the heads of 46 institutions of higher learning, the Union Ministers for Chemicals and Fertilizers; Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Human Resource Development; Commerce and Industry; and Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as Secretaries of concerned Departments and Chairman AICTE will also attend the Conference.
List of participating institutions is attached here
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Webinar on World Biofuel Day
GEF-MNRE-UNIDO Launch loan interest subvention scheme for demonstration of innovative industrial organic waste to energy biomethanation projects and business models
A GIS based inventory tool of organic waste streams also unveiled
Aims to promote investment in renewable energy technologies by transforming the market for using urban and industrial organic waste
MNRE in association with UNIDO and GEF launched the loan interest subvention scheme for demonstration of innovative industrial organic waste to energy biomethanation projects and business models. A GIS based inventory tool of organic waste streams was also unveiled.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization  and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Government of India  launched the Global Environment Facility  funded loan interest subvention scheme that provides financial assistance to innovative waste to energy biomethanation projects and business models. The industrial organic waste-to-energy bio-methanation projects are generally capital intensive and financially sensitive to both operating costs, including waste availability, and revenue, particularly biogas yield and its utilization scenario. Innovations in such projects seek to improve overall energy output thereby minimizing the cost of energy generation but may lead to increase in the initial project cost at the establishment stage yet increase revenue and reduce operating costs over project’s lifetime. The loan scheme provides financial assistance to beneficiaries to reduce the financial burden on account of interest on the loan component faced by such demonstration projects.
A GIS based inventory tool of organic waste streams developed under the GEF-MNRE-UNIDO project was also launched during the webinar. The tool provides district level estimates of available urban and industrial organic wastes and their energy generation potential across India. The GIS tool will enable SME’s and project developers to set up new waste to energy projects and may facilitate the rapid growth of biomethanation in waste-to-energy sector in the country.
The webinar also showcased success stories of biomethanation projects in India and was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Innovations in biomethanation technology and business models – Key potential accelerator of waste-to-energy sector growth in India’ and sharing of experience on technology, business models, policies and regulatory framework and project financing to foster SME’s contribution in the sector in India.
At the event Dr René Van Berkel UNIDO Representative, Regional Office in India gave the welcome address. Mr Dinesh DayanandJagdale Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy gave the opening remarks and launched the Financial Support Scheme and the GIS tool for mapping organic waste availability . Mr Pradip Kumar Das Chairman & Managing Director, IREDA presented keynotes. Subsequently Mr. Nikhil Khot. National technical expert, UNIDO gave a presentation on Loan Interest Subvention for the demonstration of innovative bio-methanation technologies and business models.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Pollution Caused by Dairy Farms
As per the information received from the Central Pollution Control Board that Hon’ble NGT, Principal Bench, New Delhi issued directions vide orders dated 24.01.2020 & 20.05.2020 in the matter of O.A. No. 46/2018, Nuggehalli Jayasimha Vs Government of NCT of Delhi to Central Pollution Control Board to frame the Guidelines for Environmental Management of Dairy Farms and Gaushalas. In compliance to the directions of Hon’ble NGT, Central Pollution Control Board formulated the Guidelines and circulated to all the State Pollution Control Boards /Pollution Control Committees for implementation in their States/Union Territories on 14.07.2020. Further, the guidelines are under revision as per directives of Hon’ble NGT orders dated 8.10.2020 in light of the issues raised by petitioners counsel.
This Information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN in Rajya Sabha Today.
APS/MG/JK
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
180.80 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 30,799
Active cases stand at 0.07%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.73%
4,491 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,24,54,546
2,539 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
78.12 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 7,17,330 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Environmental Performance Index 2022 does not consider several important indicators of sustainable consumption and production
The report on Environmental Performance Index 2022prepared byresearchers at Yale University and Columbia University has drawn conclusions about countries with respect to their environmental health, ecosystem vitality and Climate Change related policy based on metrics with several parameters that are unscientific and subjective.
For instance, the indicator Projected Emission levels in 2050 under the Climate Change Policy objective indicator is computed based on average rate of change in emission of the last 10 years instead of modelling that takes into account a longer time period, extent of renewable energy capacity and use, additional carbon sinks, energy efficiency etc. of respective countries whereas Fig 1 of the said report based on Global Carbon Budget 2021, itself shows that India has one of the lowest emission trajectories vis a vis other Countries. Hence, without factoring in this aspect, the use of biased metrics has resulted in a low rank. Further, the above parameter has a weight of nearly 14% in the index vis a vis an equity based indicator like GHG emission per capita with a weight of only 1%.
This shows that the methodology used in the EPI ranking suffers from many discrepancies including inter alia no specific rationale for weightage assigned to indicators, a flawed model to compute parameters like projected emissions where carbon removals are not accounted for and absence of important parameters of sustainability like energy efficiency or indicators that truly capture ecosystem productivity.
The index factors in the extent of ecosystems but the regulatory, provisioning as well as cultural services provided by various ecosystems contributing to productivity like forests, wetlands, croplands are not assessed and reflected in performance.
With only two indicators under the Agriculture issue category, the efforts of India or other developing countries towards the improvement of their agricultural sector and practices such as Agro biodiversity, water use efficiency and soil health are not reflected in the index. Similarly, there are no indicators of Renewable Energy efficiency or installed capacity to measure the factor of sustainable or efficient energy use of a country. Thus the index does not consider several important indicators of sustainable consumption and production.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Food Corporation of India organizes Special Campaign 2.0 for Disposal of Pending Matters at 760 campaign sites from October 2022 to August 2023
The Corporation generates Rs. 30 L through the proceeds of scrap disposal
The Food Corporation of India  has generated Rs. 30 lakhs through the proceeds of scrap disposal, weeded approximately 3 lakh old files, and cleared more than 50,000 sq. ft space during the Special Campaign 2.0 for Disposal of Pending Matters.
Launched to improve efficiency in the working of ministries and departments, by disposing of pending matters and promoting Swachhata, the Food Corporation of India efficiently carried out the Special Campaign 2.0 for Disposal of Pending Matters at 760 campaign sites from October 2022 to August 2023.
The action taken during this campaign has further strengthened FCI’s capability of ensuring that good quality food grains reach beneficiaries across the country as the cleanliness drive has been very effective and helpful in improving the upkeep of FCI godowns and its operations. The operations were further streamlined during campaign 2.0 due to innovative measures taken to introduce a record management system and usher in digitization along with optimal utilization of space.
Fulfilling its promises of promoting cleanliness & sustainability in all its premises spread across the country, Campaign 2.0 on pending Matters was carried out in all FCI premises including Headquarter, Zonal Offices, Regional Offices, District/divisional Offices, Depots, Warehouses, and other centers.
To keep every part of the country food secure, FCI procures wheat & paddy from farmers at MSP. It also ensures that wheat & rice are available in every part of the country by transporting about 50 million tonnes of food grains in a year through various modes of transportation. This wheat and rice are then stored in more than 1000 godowns and distributed through a country-wide network of Fair Price Shops in 28 states and 8 union territories. Under the special campaign 2.0 of the government, the FCI got a fillip to improve its operations.
The progress of the campaign was regularly monitored and progress was updated on the SCPDM Portal of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances  www.pgportal.gov.in/scdpm. The Corporation is now geared up for Special Campaign 3.0 to begin on 2nd October 2023.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE notifies National Bio Energy Programme
● National Bioenergy Programme to continue from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26
● The Programme has been recommended for implementation in two Phases
● The Phase-I of the Programme has been approved with a budget outlay of Rs. 858 crore
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy , Government of India has notified the National Bioenergy Programme on November 2, 2022. MNRE has continued the National Bioenergy Programme for the period from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26. The Programme has been recommended for implementation in two Phases. The Phase-I of the Programme has been approved with a budget outlay of Rs. 858 crore.
The National Bioenergy Programme will comprises of the following sub-schemes:
- Waste to Energy Programme  to support setting up of large Biogas, BioCNG and Power plants .
- Biomass Programme  based cogeneration in Industries) to support setting up of pellets and briquettes for use in power generation and non-bagasse based power generation projects.
- Biogas Programme to support setting up of family and medium size Biogas in rural areas.
Programme guidelines are available on https://mnre.gov.in/ .
To utilize huge surplus biomass, cattle dung, industrial and urban biowaste available in the country for recovery of energy, the MNRE has been promoting bioenergy in India since 1980s. One major support extended by MNRE has been Central Financial Assistance provided for setting up of Bioenergy projects such as Biogas, BioCNG, Power from urban, Industrial and Agricultural Waste / Residues for reducing their capital cost/ interest on loan therefore increase project viability.